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Cornwall and the Prayer Book Rebellion

Specialist Group Tour Operator for Bespoke Historic and Cultural Tours

The Prayer Book Rebellion, also known as the Western Rebellion, was an uprising that took place in Cornwall and Devon in 1549 during the reign of King Edward VI. The rebellion was primarily sparked by the introduction of the English Book of Common Prayer, which replaced the Latin Mass and contained Protestant reforms.

In Cornwall, the introduction of the English Prayer Book was met with resistance from the local population, who were deeply attached to their traditional Catholic practices and saw the changes as an attack on their religious identity. The Cornish people, led by local gentry and clergy, rose up in protest against the new religious policies.

The rebellion began in the town of Bodmin, where a group of armed Cornish rebels gathered and marched towards Exeter in Devon. Their aim was to join forces with the Devonshire rebels and challenge the religious changes imposed by the central government.

However, the rebellion faced several challenges. The rebels lacked proper organization and military training, making it difficult for them to mount a successful campaign. Additionally, the government swiftly responded by dispatching a well-equipped army to suppress the uprising.

The decisive battle of the rebellion took place at Sampford Courtenay in Devon, where the Cornish rebels, along with their Devonshire counterparts, faced the government forces. Despite their initial success in repelling the royal troops, the rebels were eventually defeated, and their leaders were captured and executed.

The consequences of the Prayer Book Rebellion were severe for Cornwall. The region was subjected to harsh reprisals and punitive measures from the central government, aiming to suppress any further dissent. The Cornish language and traditional Catholic practices were suppressed, and the power and influence of the local Cornish gentry were diminished.

The rebellion marked a significant moment in the history of Cornwall, highlighting the deep-seated attachment of the Cornish people to their religious and cultural traditions. It also underscored the tensions between the central government’s attempts to enforce religious changes and the resistance of local communities.

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Based in Cornwall we’re the only full service destination management company for our region. Recommended partner of Visit Cornwall, the official tourism board, we work with tour operators, travel agents and individual group leaders offering it as part of complete packages that can include London, Southern England and the rest of the UK & Ireland.

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